There’s been a lot of chatter lately about how often LaNorris Sellers is being asked to run — or not — and whether South Carolina’s coaching staff is intentionally limiting his dual-threat usage. On3 dove into the stats and commentary to separate the facts from the “conspiracy theories.”
What Shane Beamer Says
Head coach Beamer has pushed back hard against suggestions that the offense is telling Sellers to run less. At a recent press conference, he stated:
“I don’t know what conspiracy theories are out there, but I’ve never said – and no one in this building has ever said – ‘we need to run the quarterback less.’ … We’re not saying we need to run LaNorris less. … We’re running plenty. And some of those are reads where LaNorris can hand it or pull it and keep it. Some of those are RPOs where he can run it or throw it. And some of those are called designed runs that he runs.” (On3)
Beamer emphasized that his calling of run vs. pass plays hasn’t dramatically shifted from last year, at least in terms of design or intent. The strategy, he insists, is to do whatever is necessary to win games, including running Sellers when it makes sense.
What the Numbers Show
While Beamer says there’s no deliberate plan to limit Sellers’ rushing, statistics so far this season show there is a reduction in his running volume and production, especially when compared to 2024. Here are the key comparisons:
- Through the first 3 games (or ~2.5 games, given his early exit vs. Vanderbilt) in 2025, Sellers has 24 carries for 45 yards and one rushing touchdown.
- By contrast, in the same stretch in 2024, he had 40 carries for 145 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
- Last season overall (2024), Sellers’ rushing totals were far higher: 674 yards and 7 rushing scores across all games.
So yes — the run game usage has dropped compared to last year in terms of raw volume and explosiveness.
Possible Explanations & Context
Beamer’s comments offer reasons why these numbers might be down, beyond just strategy:
- Injury / Game Participation Impacts
Sellers exited early vs. Vanderbilt with a head injury, which cuts into total opportunities. Also, partial game samples (less playing time) skew some of these comparisons. - Defensive Adjustments
Opposing defenses are alert. Beamer mentions that teams are scheming to limit Sellers’ running, aware of the threat when he tucks the ball and uses his athleticism. So some of the drop may be from defensive game planning. - Play‐calling Balance and Situational Choices
Some running opportunities are designed, others depend on reads or RPOs, or how the defense shows up. Sometimes the play called is run, sometimes pass. Beamer pointed out that a lot of plays where Sellers could run or throw are still present. - Statistical Comparisons vs. Expectations
Last season set a high bar. When you compare early 2025 to early 2024, the drop looks more dramatic because of the higher base. Fans’ expectations are influenced heavily by Sellers’ breakout performances last year. (On3)
Where Things Stand Now & What to Watch
- Sellers is still being given running plays (designed runs, read options, etc.), per Beamer. The decline is more about frequency and game situations than an outright ban on his running.
- As the season progresses, it’ll be key to see if his carries increase (assuming no injuries), especially in games where the Gamecocks are in control or pushing tempo.
- Also important: how much defenses adjust and whether South Carolina’s offensive line gives him room to run. If reads break consistently, we may see Sellers’ rushing numbers climb.
- Finally, the coaching staff’s willingness to tailor calls for whoever is playing QB (if Sellers is out) will also test how dependent the scheme is on his athletic threat.
Bottom Line
The truth is that LaNorris Sellers is running less this season compared to last. But the drop appears tied to a mix of injury, opponent strategy, and game flow, not any intentional decision by South Carolina to take away his running ability. Beamer insists the coaching staff still trusts his dual-threat skills and is calling plenty of plays that allow him to run. What the stats confirm is that the opportunities are fewer, and that expectations built off last season may be coloring perceptions.
Here’s a visual comparison of LaNorris Sellers’ rushing stats from the first three games of 2024 versus 2025. It highlights the noticeable drop in carries, yards, and touchdowns — which explains much of the ongoing discussion about his role in the run game.
